US Army Announces Continued Naval Blockade on Iran

The US Central Command announced that its forces continue to enforce a naval blockade on Iran, operating around the clock to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial navigation. It reported that approximately 4,000 vessels have transited the strait with US support, and that major transit routes remain free of naval mines.

It added that 1.7 billion barrels of crude oil have been transported under US protection since summer.

In the context of implementing the blockade, the command stated that its forces rerouted approximately 150 vessels and disabled 5 ships since July due to attempts to breach the blockade.

The command estimated the value of crude oil prevented from being exported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps at more than $30 billion.

The Central Command clarified that it cooperates with US government agencies to prevent the Revolutionary Guard from using land routes and the Caspian Sea to transport advanced weapon systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, as well as what it described as illicit financial revenues.

The US military had launched the "Iron Gate" task force to restrict the transfer of weapons and sanctioned materials across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

Revolutionary Guard spokesperson Hossein Mohabi described the plan as "wordplay," ruling out Washington's ability to close Iranian trade routes. He added that Tehran has taken its preparations and relies on close communications with its neighbors.